New approaches to the design of festival Vitebsk. What will surprise the participants and guests of "Slavianski Bazaar" this year?
As noted by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, less than a month remains before the forum, which significantly affects the image of the Vitebsk region and Belarus. There is still time to discuss what needs to be done, what to pay attention to, so that the festival is held at a high level, and people, both local residents and visitors, are left with the best impressions of the cultural program and the city on the Dvina.
This year, representatives from about 40 countries will come to us. This figure eloquently testifies to the interest in "Slavyansky Bazaar," which tries to surprise with something new every year. The Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Alexey Geroev, focused on the main aspects of preparing the festival capital and also spoke about new approaches to decorating the regional center. In particular, for the first time, the Oktyabrsky Bridge and the 1000th Anniversary of Vitebsk Bridge will be decorated with floral arrangements, and suspended metal structures for pots have already been installed. In total, about one and a half million flowers will be planted on the city streets.
An unusual art object – a musical topiary – will appear at the site near the Summer Amphitheater. In the center of the composition is a gramophone. If you turn its handle, the call sign of "Slavyansky Bazaar" will sound. A tribute to the people who care about the improvement and cleanliness of Vitebsk will be LED panels depicting figures of utility workers. They will decorate Suvorov Street. Tourist signs will help navigate the city. Those who are hungry will be offered to try the festival set for 34 rubles or visit the gastronomic quarter and taste dishes from different countries of the world.
Not only hotels, but also dormitories are preparing to receive guests. Some are currently finishing renovations, while others are sprucing up. Sidewalk tiles are being replaced, facades are being updated, streets are being asphalted, and closed-type container sites are being set up.
Gleb Lapitsky, a member of the Council of the Republic, General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Center, and Director of the festival, spoke about the forum's cultural program. It includes not only concerts on the main stages but also street projects and public festivities – everything that creates the unique festive atmosphere of the "Slavianski Bazaar," which is appreciated by artists, tourists, and residents of the festival capital alike.
Gleb Lapitsky is confident that everyone will find something to their liking at the "Bazaar." Some will attend a solo concert of their favorite artist, others will opt for a spiritual music concert, some will see a play by a renowned troupe, or enjoy a "Cossack Revelry." Guests will not leave without souvenirs. The festival directorate has prepared a wide range of merchandise with the "Slavianski Bazaar" symbols. Artisans, who will traditionally set up shop in the City of Masters, will also strive to meet the demand.
The forum director noted the large number of applications to join the volunteer team, with six candidates vying for each position. This year, there will be more volunteer assistants – 130, and for the first time, two student teams have been formed.
Over 500 media representatives and bloggers will cover the festival for their readers and subscribers. As Marina Novitskaya, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, emphasized, for the first time, graduates of the Vitebsk Region media laboratory will work alongside professionals. It is believed that their fresh, youthful perspective on the "Slavianski Bazaar" will be of interest.